How to make a stethoscope
Help your first patient with a DIY stethoscope!
Safety precautions
Warning! Only under adult supervision.
Equipment
- thick wire;
- silicone tubes;
- funnel;
- balloon;
- electrical tape;
- ear pads;
- glue.
Step-by-step instructions
Bend a thick wire in half and cover it with silicone tubing. Bend the structure into the shape of a stethoscope and glue ear pads on the free ends. Cover the wide end of a funnel with a balloon “membrane” and insert the narrow end into another silicone tube. Attach this silicone tube to the remaining free bend of the thick wire. Decorate the entire structure with electrical tape. Your stethoscope is ready!
Process description
The chest transmits the vibrations caused by respirations and heartbeats. When the membrane of the stethoscope is in contact with the chest, it begins to vibrate with it, forcing the air in the funnel to vibrate, which directs the vibrations into the tube. The air inside it transfers the vibrations to the wire, causing the metal to vibrate. The wire structure vibrates along its entire length and propels the air around the ear pads, transferring the vibrations of the air into the ear canal!
Cool medical experiments will appear in the MEL Science subscription very soon! Stay tuned for updates!